"Central and Eastern Europe in the process of integration into the European Union"

Abstract

The paper addresses the fundamental dilemma facing the European Union, deepening or widening, by analyzing various aspects concerning the shape of European integration after the Intergovernmental Conference 1996 and relations with Central and East European countries leading to full membership of the Associated States in the European Union. Central and East European countries on many occasions have declared that their final goal is to join the EU, the goal which is approved by the EU itself. On the other hand, the EU is going through a process of internal reforms to prepare its internal structure in order to welcome new member states.